BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) North Dakota lawmakers have adopted a revised revenue forecast that reflects a more than $4 billion shortfall in oil revenue due to the slumping price of crude.
Appropriations committees from the House and Senate voted Thursday to accept the revised figures for the next two-year budget cycle. The final revenue forecast is slated to be presented in mid-March.
House Majority Leader Al Carlson calls the revision ``responsible and realistic.'' He says the state's top priorities will still be funded but most everything else ``is open for discussion.''
Carlson and Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner say the state's economy remains healthy. They say oil production is forecast to remain steady in the state despite sagging oil prices.
North Dakota crude was fetching below $40 in some markets on Thursday.